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Fired-up Siraj Excited For South Africa Challenge: ‘I’m Bowling With Good Rhythm’
Follow Us2025 has so far been statistically been Siraj's best ever year in Tests
As team India slipped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the start of this year, there were talks about how Mohammed Siraj wasn’t doing justice to his seniority, more often than not being a ‘hit-and-miss’ with the ball.
However, less than a year on, those talks are long-gone, with the 31-year-old elevating himself to a new level on the back of his heroic showing away in England, where he took 23 wickets and carried the pace attack to help the team to a famous 2-2 draw.
Siraj backed the performance up with an impressive showing at West Indies at home, too, taking 10 wickets at 13.00, and 2025 is already his most productive year in Tests, both in terms of wickets taken (37) and average (26.91).
India have a massive assignment at home against South Africa starting later this week, and the team India speedster is now looking to extend this fine run further and deliver the team more victories.
“Personally, I'm bowling with good rhythm and looking to make the most of it. Facing strong teams helps identify areas to improve, and I'm really excited for this challenge,” Siraj told JioHotstar, reported Hindustan Times.
It was six years ago that South Africa last toured India for Tests and got whitewashed 3-0, but the Proteas are a completely different team now.
Not only are they the reigning World Test Champions, they’re also entering the India tour on the back of a fine showing in Pakistan (1-1) and with the South Africa ‘A’ team having beaten a powerful India ‘A’ team in the second unofficial Test last week, in which skipper Temba Bavuma featured.
Siraj believes the upcoming series will be very crucial for both sides’ WTC chances. India and South Africa are currently placed 3rd and 4th, respectively, in the new WTC cycle.
“This series is crucial for the new WTC cycle, especially since South Africa is the defending champion,” Siraj said.
“While they drew 1-1 with Pakistan, we're confident from our own good form. We created a positive environment, performed well in England, and won against the West Indies.”
The two-Test series will start at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14 (Friday).